Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
560. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a matter regarding funding for youth cafes (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35248/20]
View answerYouth Cafés provide an important youth-friendly space for young people to come together to connect with their peers as well as to access supports in a non-stigmatising way. Between 2011 and 2013 capital funding provided by my Department supported the development and fit out of new youth café proposals and there are now approximately 150 youth cafes throughout the country. The development of further youth cafés may be considered as part of a needs-based decision making process for any capital funding that becomes available to my Department in future years.
I wish to assure the Deputy that there has been no reduction to youth services funding nationally. Indeed, I have been able to provide additional funding this year to support local funded organisations, Youth Information Centres and youth clubs to defray some of the Covid-19 costs. I have also secured an additional amount of €1m capital funding in the current year to support ICT procurement in the youth sector before year end. This grant scheme is being rolled out through the ETBs in their role as funding intermediary for youth schemes and was formally announced in the last few days.
In respect of 2021, I have secured an additional €5 million investment in youth services. I see this funding as supporting frontline services as they seek to continue to provide critical services to vulnerable young people.
The Deputy will be interested to know that the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, which is open to youth cafés, supports volunteer-led youth work activities at a local level. These grants are made available to all youth clubs and groups through the local Education and Training Boards. Organisations wishing to apply for funding under this scheme should contact their local Education and Training Board for more information.
